Big Dip: Rare Bird Alert

AUSTRALIA rare bird alert: February 1st 2019

Welcome to the fifth Australia Rare Bird Alert of 2019 (and the first for February)! Apologies for this coming a little later in the day than usual, have been out on a birding trip. But for now, let's get to the rarities.

Almost unbelievably, Australia's very first TUFTED DUCK has continued to put on a show for visiting birders in the T-Section at the Western Treatment Plant. However, it appears to have last been seen on Monday the 28th of January. It was last seen flying out of the T-Section and touching down in the Spit or the back section of the Western Lagoon. Last time it did this, it was missing for 8 days. I guess only time will tell if we'll see it again, or if it's finally decided to head home to the northern hemisphere.

The SABINE'S GULL that was found in Bremer Bay (Western Australia) seemingly disappeared after only being present for a handful of days. However, the same bird was later photographed at Cheynes Beach (a casual 130km west) on the 20th of January. It has not been seen since, though WA birders should keep an eye as it potentially continues its way up the coast.

Broome continues to show off its repuation for being one of Australia's vagrant hotspots with a sighting of a HOUSE SWIFT and a AERODRAMUS SWIFT (either Himalayan/Edible-nest/Black-nest Swiftlet) on the 25th of January. As per usual with these species, the Aerodramus has remained unidentified, though many have weighed in that it was a likely candidate for Edible-nest.

Tufted Duck - Image by James Mustafa

House Swift - image by Nigel Jackett

A RUFF was found on January 26th at Tolderol (South Australia) and apparently has continued to be seen in the days afterwards. A Ruff is an irregular visitor with usually a handful of reports from around the country each year.

As mentioned in last weeks summary, SPOTTED WHISTLING DUCK are apparently having an excellent season, with several sightings still trickling in from across FNQ. Most recently, a number of birds have been seen yet again at the Botanic Gardens Freshwater Lake.

Since their discover on the 23rd of January, a pair of GREY WAGTAIL have continued to be seen at Edith Falls in the Northern Territory. Last report (that I can find) is from the 27th of January.

Grey Wagtail - image by Andrew Robinson

Ruff - image by Ross Brittain

Various rarities such as ALEUTIAN TERN (NSW), ORIENTAL HONEY BUZZARD (WA), HUDSONIAN GODWIT (TAS) and BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER (QLD) continue to also be seen regularly. Details on these birds and sightings can be found various previous RBA.

Readers should note that none of the above records (unless otherwise stated) have been audited by BARC or the appropriate state rarities committees. Information is collected via Birding-Aus, Eremaea Birdline, eBird and various social media platforms. Omissions and errors are not intended, but if any fault is located, please comment below or contact us at bigdipbirding@gmail.com and we will rectify.